The journey of Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro, from their initial encounter to officially forming the Straw Hats crew, spans a considerable stretch of time. It’s a narrative arc cherished by fans, witnessing Luffy’s ambitious dream tangibly expand with each new member welcomed aboard his vessel.
With each addition, not only does the crew gain more skills and strengths, but they also embrace a new family member, adding to the vibrant story of the series’ dialogue.
However, amidst the excitement of envisioning amiable characters joining the ranks of the Straw Hats, the potential for redemption among former adversaries often goes unnoticed.
Nico Robin and Franky serve as prime examples, their initial roles as antagonists eventually giving way to integral positions within the crew. As the narrative progresses, numerous other characters with a villainous past emerge, presenting opportunities for them to potentially join the Straw Hats’ cause.
Bentham and The 9 Other One Piece Villains Who Could’ve Become Straw Hats
Here is a list of One Piece villains who could have become a part of the Luffy’s Straw Hats in the story.
10. Bentham
Bentham is a clear contender for a future Straw Hat, to the extent that he no longer fits the mold of a villain. Initially introduced as one of Baroque Works’ elite agents, his Clone-Clone Fruit endowed him with the ability to penetrate enemy ranks seamlessly, while his formidable combat prowess matched that of the renowned “Black Leg” Sanji.
However, it didn’t take long for him to switch allegiances and align himself with the Straw Hats. In fact, he went so far as to make not one, but two sacrifices to safeguard his newfound crew.
Should he ever manage to break free from the confines of Impel Down, Bentham would undoubtedly find a warm welcome awaiting him aboard the Thousand Sunny.
9. Pekoms
Regardless of his unwavering loyalty to the Big Mom Pirates, Pekoms harbors a deep sense of gratitude toward the Straw Hats. Recent events, particularly Big Mom’s controversial actions and her alliance with Kaido, the very individual responsible for ordering an attack on Zou, likely have him reassessing his career trajectory.
Having already forged bonds with the Straw Hats during their journey to Whole Cake Island, Pekoms demonstrated his allegiance by aiding Luffy’s escape in the aftermath of the arc’s climax.
As a remarkable creature hailing from the of Zou and possessing a notorious reputation as a delinquent, Pekoms embodies both the strength and character that would seamlessly integrate him into the Straw Hats’ ranks.
8. Señor Pink
Within the Donquixote Family, Señor Pink stands out as an anomaly. Regardless of possessing the eccentric flair that aligns with Doflamingo’s flamboyant crew, Pink exhibits a level of integrity and honor uncommon among his more nefarious counterparts.
While his fellow crewmates often resort to sadistic tactics or deceitful methods in battle, Señor Pink opted for a more honorable approach when facing off against Franky. Their confrontation evolved into a duel of endurance, showcasing Pink’s commitment to fair play and respect.
If Señor Pink seeks to maintain his pirate lifestyle while upholding the legacy of Russian, he may find a fitting home aboard Franky’s ship.
Joining forces with Franky could provide Pink with a platform to channel his principles and continue his adventures in a manner that aligns more closely with his personal values.
7. Caesar Clown
It’s understandable that many harbor negative sentiments towards Caesar Clown, given his sordid past as a corrupt scientist responsible for inventing perilous weaponry and conducting cruel experiments on innocent children. Such actions are undeniably egregious and difficult to overlook.
However, regardless of his reprehensible deeds, it’s worth acknowledging the rapport Caesar Clown managed to establish with the Straw Hats during his time as their reluctant captive.
Regardless of initial tensions, he proved to be a formidable combatant when called upon and possessed both the power and scientific acumen to potentially aid the inhabitants of Zou.
If, by some miraculous turn of events, the Straw Hats were able to reform Caesar Clown’s malevolent tendencies, he could potentially contribute positively to their crew as a scientist and weaponsmith.
Though the prospect may seem improbable, stranger alliances have been forged in the tumultuous One Piece.
6. Perona
Perona’s ability to drain away ambition might seem counterintuitive for a crew known for their boundless aspirations, but her distinct personality could indeed enrich the diverse array of characters within the Straw Hats.
Her inclusion would help address the crew’s current lack of female members.
Having already formed a bond with Zoro during their time together on Kuraigana Island, Perona not only aided the Pirate Hunter in navigating to Sabaody Archipelago but also ensured he arrived ahead of the rest of the crew.
In terms of her potential contributions, Perona’s abilities could prove devastating against a wide range of adversaries, effectively neutralizing their ambitions and giving the Straw Hats a strategic advantage.
5. Bellamy
Bellamy’s character arc throughout the Dressrosa saga was truly remarkable, showcasing a profound transformation that left many fans wondering why he didn’t ultimately join the ranks of the Straw Hat Pirates.
From his initial portrayal as a brash and antagonistic figure seeking to assert dominance over Luffy to his evolution into a humble hero revered by the people of Dressrosa, Bellamy’s journey was marked by significant growth and introspection.
Regardless of his unwavering loyalty to Donquixote Doflamingo, Bellamy’s moral compass began to sway as he confronted the truth about his captain’s nefarious actions.
This internal conflict culminated in a poignant moment where he challenged Luffy, demonstrating his resolve to carve his own path.
Should Bellamy come to a realization about his true aspirations as a pirate, or open his heart to embrace Luffy’s grand ideals, he could undoubtedly make a valuable addition to the Straw Hat crew.
With his complex backstory and dynamic character development, “The Hyena” possesses the potential to bring a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the crew’s adventures.
4. Kaku
Kaku’s introduction during the Enies Lobby Arc presented a contrast to the typical portrayal of villains or stern government agents. From the outset, he exuded a friendly demeanor and demonstrated a genuine willingness to engage with the Straw Hat crew in an upfront manner.
His awe-inspiring and adventurous spirit, particularly showcased as he gracefully glided through the skies of Water Seven, left a lasting impression on both the audience and his fellow characters.
Throughout his intense battle with Zoro, Kaku displayed a remarkable sense of honor and tenacity, devoid of any genuine malice towards the Straw Hats.
His unique blend of strength and humor resonated more closely with the vibrant and eclectic spirit of the Straw Hat crew than with the rigid demeanor often associated with the Marines.
Given his multifaceted character and his demonstrated aptitude for both serious combat and lighthearted antics, Kaku could indeed prove to be a valuable asset if Franky ever finds himself in need of assistance aboard the Thousand Sunny.
His inclusion would not only contribute to the crew’s strength but also add an additional layer of colorful personality to their dynamic ensemble.
3. Sir Crocodile
Sir Crocodile may not immediately come to mind as a potential addition to the Straw Hat crew, given his history of antagonizing Luffy and orchestrating schemes against the crew’s allies.
However, it’s worth considering that past conflicts don’t necessarily define future relationships in One Piece.
Similar to the unlikely camaraderie shared between Luffy and Buggy the Clown, Sir Crocodile has shown signs of building a rapport with Luffy, particularly during the tumultuous events of the Marineford Saga.
Regardless of their tumultuous history, Crocodile played a key role in saving Luffy’s life, and momentarily, that of Ace’s, during the Paramount War, even instructing his subordinate, Daz Bones, to do the same.
In One Piece: Stampede, Crocodile further demonstrated his potential as an ally to Luffy, albeit with his own ulterior motives likely at play.
Depending on the direction of his current plans and alliances, there remains the possibility of future collaborations between Luffy and Crocodile. After all, in One Piece, alliances can shift and adversaries can become unexpected allies.
2. Buggy
Regardless of his tumultuous history with “Straw Hat” Luffy, Buggy the Clown proved to be an unexpectedly valuable asset during key moments, such as Luffy’s daring escape from Impel Down and the chaos of Marineford.
While initially hesitant, Buggy played a significant role in aiding Luffy’s plans, showcasing both comedic relief and surprising competence.
In instances when Usopp was unavailable, Buggy filled the role of a hilariously competent ally, capable of holding his own in battle while also providing protective cover for Luffy.
If Buggy can overcome his petty rivalry with Luffy, there’s potential for a reliable partnership between them. Such a partnership could lead Buggy to grand treasures and opportunities, or at the very least, offer him protection in the wake of the abolishment of the Seven Warlords system. In One Piece, alliances can shift and adversaries can become valuable allies, and Buggy may find that his future lies alongside Luffy and the Straw Hat crew.
1. Charlotte Katakuri
Following his intense battle with Luffy on Whole Cake Island, many fans speculated that Charlotte Katakuri might defect from the Big Mom Pirates to join forces with Luffy.
Regardless of his fierce loyalty to his family, the environment within the Charlotte family and Whole Cake Island itself is far from inviting. The superficial nature of the island’s inhabitants and Big Mom’s notorious reputation for cruelty, including her willingness to harm her own kin, cast a shadow over Katakuri’s allegiance.
Katakuri’s introspection during his clash with Luffy hinted at a growing disillusionment with his role within Big Mom’s crew. His decision to possibly forfeit the fight to Luffy suggested a shift in his perspective, prompting him to reconsider his loyalty to the Big Mom Pirates.
Should Katakuri ultimately choose to depart from Big Mom’s ranks, he could find a promising future as a member of the Straw Hat crew. His formidable strength, unique abilities, and a newfound sense of self-awareness make him a compelling candidate for joining Luffy’s quest.
In such a scenario, Katakuri could contribute his talents towards realizing the Straw Hats’ ambitions while finding a sense of camaraderie and purpose among their diverse crew.
